“In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a man, now I’ve reached that age, I’ve tried to do all those things the best I can” –“Good Times Bad Times” (1969)
Growing up, I resented Led Zeppelin, could not stand their music. It was the most frequently played artist by my parents, whether it would be in the kitchen (played more frequently by my mom in this location) my father’s room, or the car in which my father would be driving. I really did not have a “Whole Lotta Love” for the band, in fact, I felt like I was “Wearing and Tearing” over this band.
Once I turned sixteen and was able to drive, that’s when my love for the Zeppelin arose. I was not much of a radio fan, so I grabbed whatever CDs we had, which were mostly Led Zeppelin CDs. Some songs, like “Immigrant Song” (check out this neat little video of Viking cats), “Over The Hills and Far Away”, and “Hey, Hey What Can I Do?” (which is my favorite song of any artist/band of all-time) would frequently play in my car.
Led Zeppelin plays a concert at Royal Albert Hall, on January 9, 1970. (Photo Credit: ledzeppelin.com)
College came around and I met some “Friends” my first year who also liked the band. We went to a movie theatre to watch the “Led Zeppelin Experience”, which was a compilation of their concerts, like my favorite, their performance at Royal Albert Hall. Also, we went to see a cover band called “Kashmir” that really did a good job of replicating Led Zeppelin.
However, it’s not the real Led Zeppelin. When I heard the news “In The Evening” that the band would potentially reunite for its 50th anniversary, I thought to myself, I finally have an opportunity to see Jimmy play his double neck guitar, Robert to blast out his vocal chords, and John Paul to provide great additional sound on the bass.
They last played together in 2007, over “Ten Years Gone”. However, that was the period of time that I resented them, and
Led Zeppelin Tribute band “Kashmir” plays a show at Niagara Falls.(Photo Credit: Niagara Falls Canada)
now may be the one-and-only chance I get to see this great band live. I hope that these potential talks do not end up a “Communication Breakdown” and that this reunion does come to fruition. I do not want to be “In My Time of Dying”, nearly on the “Stairway to Heaven” and say I never saw my favorite band live.
This reunion needs to happen. In terms of “What Is and What Should Never Be” regarding the reunion, it should be the former. It is way overdue to have another “Celebration Day”.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve rock and rolled, ooh, it’s been a long time since I did the Stroll, let me get it back, let me get it back”. It has been a long time, Robert, Jimmy, and John Paul. Fans like myself and many others are more than happy to have you all come back a play one last grand performance to “Bring It On Home”.
To Led Zeppelin, wherever you may play in the coming future, I am there. Whether it would be “Down By The Seaside” or even near “The Ocean”, I would be present at your performance. Heck, if you play in California, I would be “Going to California” to see you play. Robert, Jimmy, and John Paul, “Since I’ve Been Loving You” and your music, I “Ramble On” about “Candy Store Rock” and all of your other great songs.
If and when the reunion happens and the band plays on stage, I will be there, and I know exactly who to take with me, my father. Please do not be a “Heartbreaker” Led Zeppelin.
Follow me on Twitter: @RobertFrey40
(Featured image courtesy of weheartit.com)
